CULTURAL PRACTICES
Mowing, irrigation, and fertilization are the three main cultural practices needed to maintain turfgrass quality. Theses cultural practices have a symbiotic relationship. Changes in these practices will off set the balance each other. On established and new turf, additional cultural practices are sometimes required. Some of these practices include: Cultivation, spiking and thatching. Here are some guidelines to follow for successfully maintaining a home lawn:
1. Mowing- Mowing is the most simple of all cultural practices in turfgrass, in that it influences most other cultural practices. Proper mowing can mean the difference between that perfect lawn and a O.K. one.
University of Florida - Information about mowing practices for good quality and draught-prepared turf.
All about mowing- Proper mowing, mowing height, scalping, blade sharpness,everything you need to know about home lawns.
2. Irrigation- Irrigation is performed primarily to ensure an adequate amount of moisture for turfgrass growth. Turf is also irrigated to wash in fertilizers and some pesticides following their applications. Irrigation also helps cool turfgrass temperatures on hot days.
University of Florida - Irrigation practices and procedures. How to condition your turf for drought weather.
University of Minnesota- How much, how often, and when to water lawns and other turf.
3. Fertilization- Fertilization is the practice by which essential plant nutrients are supplied as part of a turfgrass cultural program. It ranks with mowing and irrigation as a primary determinant of turfgrass persistence and quality.
The Ohio State University- Fertilization of lawns. Properly maintaining an adequate fertility program.
Texas A&M University- A general overview of the chemistry of fertilizers. What to apply and how to apply fertilizers.
4.Cultivation/Thatch-Cultivation and thatch practices are primarily designed to reduce problems associated with excessive thatch and soil compaction. The principal types of cultivation are coring, spiking, and de-thatching.
Show Case Lawns-Help break up soil compaction. Understanding the benefits as well as, how to apple theses techniques for a better lawn.
Florida Agricultural Information Retrieval Systems- Core cultivation, top dressing, and vertical mowing are the three essential practices to control thatch.
